The NSW Government is today announcing a milestone in the $769 million commitment for 100 new public preschools across the state by 2027, with tenders for 85 of these vital early learning institutions to be released by the end of the year.
The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build better communities across NSW by investing in essential infrastructure, including a historic commitment to build the schools and preschools families rely on.
At the same time, the NSW Government is announcing a Pattern Book will be released next month, to reduce costs and accelerate delivery timeframes for the NSW Government's massive pipeline of new and upgraded schools across the state.
100 preschools by 2027
The Minns Government's commitment to build 100 new public preschools will allow up to 9,000 additional children to benefit from quality early childhood education in the year before school.
The commitment to deliver the largest expansion of public preschools in NSW history by 2027 is on track as the Minns Government announces tenders to build 85 of these preschools will be released by the end of the year.
These tenders are for preschools across both metropolitan and regional NSW. The first tranche of tenders, for preschools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, will be released next month.
The release of tenders marks a significant step towards getting shovels into the ground and more children into free, public preschools.
The Minns Government's work to deliver 100 public preschools is in sharp contrast to the former Coalition Government, who after 12 years in Government managed to open just one additional public preschool.
Pattern Book to fast-track school infrastructure delivery
A 'Pattern Book' has been developed to accelerate delivery and reduce costs as the Minns Labor Government continues work to deliver the vital education infrastructure communities need.
To be released next month, the Pattern Book will include detailed guidance to industry on consistent, repeatable designs for new schools and preschools builds, which will enable increased use of Modern Methods of Construction.
Examples of Modern Methods of Construction include prefabrication and off-site manufacturing.
The Pattern Book will continue to be improved over the remainder of 2024 to reflect education and industry feedback.
The development of this Pattern Book for schools follows the NSW Government using a Pattern Book approach to fast-track housing across the state.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"The Minns Government is committed to building schools and preschools for communities that need them and since being elected, we have been working to rebuild public education in NSW.
"With this record pipeline of tenders and projects going to market, we are getting on with the job of delivering new schools and new facilities quicker.
"We are seeking broad industry participation to enable school projects to be delivered more quickly and affordably, while minimising the impact on school communities during construction.
"Delivering our record investment in schools and preschools is part of the Minns Government commitment to the best start in life for every child."
